A Weekend with My Camera: A Buzzard's Stare After Months Away

This past weekend, after months of not getting out with my camera, I finally decided it was time to reconnect with nature. It had been far too long, and I felt the itch to get back behind the lens, to see what the world had to offer. Little did I know, the first 15 minutes of my outing would bring one of the most memorable encounters I’ve had in a while.

As I strolled down a familiar path, the crisp air and the quiet hum of the outdoors immediately brought a sense of peace. I was easing back into the rhythm of scanning the landscape, adjusting the settings on my camera, and just appreciating being out in the open again.

Then, not long into my walk, I spotted something that stopped me in my tracks. Perched on an old wooden stump, perfectly poised, was a common buzzard. Its sharp, amber eyes met mine—staring straight down the lens as if it knew I was about to capture something special. My heart raced, and my hands steadied the camera as I prepared for what felt like the perfect shot.

The buzzard’s feathers, a mix of rich browns and subtle creams, caught the light beautifully. Its talons gripped the weathered wood with such ease, showing both power and calm in a way that only wild creatures can. There it sat, unflinching, its piercing gaze locked on me, creating a quiet but intense connection between us.

I took as many shots as I could, trying to capture the essence of that stare—the kind of gaze that feels like it's looking right through you, completely aware of your presence. It was as though the buzzard had been waiting for me, just as I had been waiting for a moment like this after months away from my camera.

After a few minutes, the buzzard shifted its weight, and with a powerful beat of its wings, it launched into the sky, disappearing into the horizon. The encounter was brief, but it felt like a gift, especially after such a long time without a single photo outing.

Looking back, that short time with the buzzard reignited my love for photography and reminded me why I need to get out more often. There’s something so special about these fleeting moments in nature—the kind you can only capture if you're out there, camera in hand, ready for whatever comes your way.

It may have been months since my last outing, but this encounter made up for the time away, reminding me that even after a break, nature always has something incredible to offer. Now, I’m already looking forward to the next time I can grab my camera and head out, hoping for another moment as unforgettable as this one.